Bells of St Helen’s chime out across Sandal for 200 years

St Helen's Church Sandal bell ringer Margot Cutt with the church bells which are 200 years old.The church is to be open to the public next weekend and people will be able to climb the bell tower etc

Published:10:00Saturday 06 October 2012

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FOR 200 years the bells of St Helen’s Church have rung out across Sandal.

And now people will be able to take a closer look at the mechanical wonders to celebrate their place in village history.

St Helen's Church Sandal bell ringers John and Margot Cutt with the church bells which are 200 years old.The church is to be open to the public next weekend and people will be able to climb the bell tower etc

The six bells and tower will be open to the public this weekend to mark their bicentenary year.

Families will also be able to try their hand at bell ringing.

Rev Rupert Martin, who has been at the church for 17 years, said: “The bells were cast in 1812 and have been rung ever since.

“It is such a joyful sound and one which is very familiar in the parish.

“We ring the bells during weddings and for Sunday services to remind people that the church is alive and well.

“The bells are important to the life of the church and a proclamation of the gospel.

“The six bells have different tones, which is unique to Britain so you get that varied sound.

“We hope people will come and make the most of this opportunity to find out more about the church and its tower.” The church has around 12 bell ringers, led by captain of the bell tower John Cutt, who practise regularly and take it in turns to ring the bells.

There will be hand bell workshops and an 11 ft high wooden working model of a tower bell, called a Wombel, for visitors to try out.

Bell ringers will also show people how it is done properly.

Flower arrangements representing church groups will be on display in the church throughout the weekend.

And a harvest festival faith lunch will be served on Sunday after a blessing of the bells.

The church and tower will be open from 10am until noon tomorrow and from 2pm until 4pm tomorrow and Sunday.